We're taking a look at one critical matchup in every NFL playoff game, continuing with Saturday's divisional-round contests ...

Cowboys' interior offensive line vs. Rams DT Aaron Donald

It shouldn't take long after any given snap to determine whether the Cowboys' offense is in line for a meaningful gain or a troublesome stop. Donald has been quick to disrupt plays against nearly every opponent, leading the league with 20 1/2 sacks in a season that will almost assuredly yield his second consecutive defensive player of the year award. Additionally, his 73 pressures and 3.6 seconds in time to sack also rank first among all defenders, according to Next Gen Stats and Pro Football Focus.

Another favorable matchup could be ahead, as he likely will spend the bulk of Saturday squaring off against either left guard Xavier Su'a-Filo or rookie Connor Williams. While left tackle Tyron Smith and center Joe Looney are likely to provide plenty of help, Dallas looks particularly vulnerable after its offensive line gave up 56 sacks in the regular season.

For the Cowboys, using the full width of the field will be an integral step toward mitigating Donald's impact on the offense. Using Dak Prescott on rollouts and play action, the latter of which was a staple for Dallas against the Seahawks' front four last week, could not only reduce his exposure to Donald but also provide him with simplified reads. The third-year quarterback was listed on the injury report this week with a knee ailment, but he and coach Jason Garrett have dismissed any potential effects after Prescott was a full participant for all three days of practice.

Dallas can also limit Donald's impact against the run by getting Ezekiel Elliott on the exterior. The Rams have given up a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry, and they have been most susceptible to big gains on the edges. Donald might move around and receive some work at defensive end at times, however, so the Cowboys will have to keep close track of his whereabouts on any given play.

Colts RB Marlon Mack vs. Chiefs' front seven

Kansas City's proclivity for giving up big plays in the passing game might appear to be its vulnerability, as no team has given up more gains of 20-plus yards than the Chiefs (65). But the AFC's top seed has also been susceptible to opponents' running attacks, with its five yards per carry allowed standing as the second-worst mark of any team this season.

Handing a heavy workload to Mack, who ran for a franchise postseason record 148 yards in last week's wild-card win over the Texans, could benefit Indianapolis in a number of ways. Controlling the clock with extended scoring drives will limit the Colts defense's exposure to Patrick Mahomes, who piloted an attack that ranked first in both total yards (425.6 per game) and scoring (35.3 points per game). The second-year back can also help neutralize the pressure that is one of the Chiefs' lone points of salvation on defense, as the unit tied for the league lead with 52 sacks.

But Mack's potential production alone is likely enough to justify heavy usage. A patient and powerful runner, he has averaged 3.04 yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus, and had 58 of his 195 carries yield a first down. But he also has displayed a second gear this year, tallying 15 runs of 15 yards or more.

Stopping Mack on early downs and forcing third-and-long scenarios could be one of the Chiefs' most important tasks. Inside linebackers Anthony Hitchens and Reggie Ragland will have to be disciplined in their approaches. If Kansas City falters and can't unleash its pass rush on third downs, its defense could be in trouble. And while the Chiefs seemingly look poised to thrive in shootouts, they're just 3-4 in games in which their opponents have scored 28 or more points.

Chicago Bears strong safety Adrian Amos (38) celebrates with defensive back Sherrick McManis (27) after an interception against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Soldier Field. Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) celebrates while leaving the field after the Chargers' game against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) catches a pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts after making a first down during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers celebrate in the end zone after safety Adrian Phillips (31) second quarter interception against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) changes the play at the line during thew first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts to running to the 1-yard line in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Prescott would punch it in himself as the Cowboys went on to a 24-22 win. Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) reacts after suffering an apparent injury while attempting to kick a field goal against the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron, USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore (23) reacts after an interception against the Houston Texans in the first half in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans nose tackle Brandon Dunn (92) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass against the Houston Texans in the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea, USA TODAY Sports